Are Dental Implants a Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth?
If you are missing teeth due to the aging process or any number of other reasons, then you may wish to consider dental implants as a permanent solution.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants, or tooth implants, represent one of the most important advances in modern dentistry. They offer patients with missing or severely damaged teeth an opportunity to restore their fully functional bite. The most difficult aspect of tooth loss or extreme tooth damage is that it can significantly change the function of the mouth as well as the overall appearance of the facial structures. Even the loss of a few teeth can cause substantial sagging and give the appearance of advanced age.
Significant tooth loss affects ones ability to chew and eat effectively. Dental implant replacements are the first step in filling in the areas of the mouth where facial tissue has begun to “sag”. Recent advances in implant technology have made them extremely successful and they are often the preferred solution for a number of dental conditions. The professional team at Den-Care Smile Center has extensive experience in dental implant surgeries.
Dental Implant Procedure
The placement of a dental implant involves a series of steps. It starts with an initial consultation. During this exam, x-rays will be taken and often impressions of the teeth and gums will be made. The dentists at Den-Care Smile Center evaluate each case individually and it is necessary to ensure that a patient is a viable candidate for the implant procedure. This means examining the mouth and x-rays to evaluate the condition of the bone and other teeth. The actual oral surgery procedure begins with the preparation of the bone site for placement of the implant. The implant is a metal fixture which acts as an anchor placed into the jawbone.
This implant will serve as a substitute root for the artificial tooth which will later be installed. Once in place, the implant will require three to four months to fully heal. This gives the surrounding bone the necessary time to form a strong bond with the implant material. The team at Den-Care Smile Center will manage all of the surgical aspects of the implant and works closely with the laboratory that will create the crown or artificial tooth which will be attached to the implant.
Final Stages of a Dental Implant
Patients are generally fitted with a temporary crown over the implant during the waiting period. This temporary crown will facilitate eating, chewing and smiling during the healing process. Impressions of the teeth and gums are used to create the permanent crown or artificial tooth which is fitted to the dental implant once it has healed. The entire procedure can take from four months to one year to complete. It is possible to do a single tooth or several teeth depending on the needs of the patient. The success rate for dental implants is very high and many patients are finding it the best option for permanent tooth replacement.
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